Adult Playdates: A Beginner’s Guide to More Fun in Your Life

Life can feel sooo boring sometimes, can’t it? The cycle of work, chores, and endless to-do lists makes it all too easy to lose sight of something we couldn’t live without as a kid – fun! That’s where adult playdates come in. Think of them as a nostalgic throwback to childhood, but with a grown-up twist—a chance to reconnect with friends through playful, lighthearted activities. Here’s everything you need to know about adult playdates.

What Are Adult Playdates?

An adult playdate is exactly what it sounds like—a social get-together designed for you and your friends to “play” together. The goal is to step away from the demands of adult responsibilities and reconnect with your friends purely for the sake of enjoyment. Whether it’s painting, roller skating, or hosting a sports day, it’s a great opportunity to rediscover the activities you loved as a child and strengthen your friendships through shared fun.

Why We All Need Adult Playdates

Let’s be real – as adults, it’s all too easy to prioritise everything else over having fun. But fun shouldn’t be seen as a luxury; it’s a necessity, no matter your age! Playdates can

• Relieve stress: Engaging in lighthearted activities helps your brain release feel-good. 
• Build stronger connections: Bonding over shared experiences creates lasting memories and deepens relationships.
• Make you feel like you again: Adulting is hard. Playdates remind us there’s more to life than responsibilities.

5 Tips For Planning Your First Adult Playdate

Planning your first adult playdate can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but don’t worry – it’s easier than you think! Here are five tips to help you organize a fun, stress-free gathering that will hopefully bring out everyone’s playful side.

1. Don’t Invite Too Many Friends: Keep it small and intimate for a stress-free experience. The fewer people you need to organise, the less stressful it will be trying to get everyone on the same page. Don’t worry if some friends can’t make it – a playdate only requires two people. 
2. Keep It Simple: Focus on activities that are easy to organise and don’t require too much preparation or supplies above your means. As a child, it was the simple, low-cost activities—like making bracelets and colouring in—that I enjoyed the most. Fun doesn’t have to break the bank; it can still be had on a budget!
3. Set the Mood: If you’re hosting your playdate at home, create a playful atmosphere with cute decorations and nostalgic music to bring back those carefree vibes.
4. Stay Present: Put your phone away and fully immerse yourself in the moment. I like to use a digital or Polaroid camera to capture pictures and videos—this way, there’s no temptation to use any phones.
5. Prioritise Fun: The ultimate goal is to relax and have fun! Don’t stress about everything being perfect – embrace the silliness and enjoy reconnecting with your inner child.

Adult Playdate Ideas

The best way to come up with adult playdate ideas is by digging into your memories and recalling the activities you loved as a child. These are some of the best types of playdates to recreate! Still need some help? Here are a few of my favorites that you can try too:

• Painting: Grab some canvases, acrylic paints, and a bottle of wine (if you must) for a fun painting session. Perhaps follow a YouTube tutorial, or print off a few pictures you’d like you and your friends to recreate.
• Create a Chatter Box: Didn’t you just love these as a kid? Invite your friends round to create chatter boxes, adding fun dares to each chatterbox for a fun and unique twist.
• Ice-Skating: Relive your middle school days at your local ice-skating rink. Wrap up warm and hit the ice, remembering to capture a few photos and videos in action, too. 
• Anime Night: If you’re an anime lover like me, why not invite your friends round to watch a short series together? Discuss your favourite scenes, characters and anything else worth mentioning over a drink and some snacks. 
• Dance Party: Did you used to love dancing when you were younger? Book a beginner’s dance class with your friends and see if you’ve still got the moves!

Why You Should Say “Yes”

Life is about more than just adult responsibilities—we need to nurture our inner child too! So grab your besties, plan a playdate, and remind yourself that fun isn’t just for kids—it’s for grown adults like us too, sis!